PIERRE — South Dakota lawmakers narrowly approved a proposal Thursday that would require members of the Legislature to take drug tests.

On a 4-3 vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee split with representatives who voted down the measure the day before.

Supporters of the bill said the proposal was aimed at demonstrating leadership in the Legislature and providing evidence to voters that lawmakers aren't using drugs during their time in Pierre. They said voting down the proposal as their peers in the House did would create negative optics for lawmakers.

"I just think it’s the right thing to do. We have the obligation to set the example," said Rep. Tim Goodwin, R-Rapid City. "If you don’t have anything to hide, why wouldn’t you vote in favor of this bill?"

Lawmakers that supported the proposal also expressed concern about comments made by House representatives Wednesday that characterized the bill as a proposal based on "cynicism or grandstanding."

"I want to apologize for the way you were mistreated," Sen. Stace Nelson, R-Fulton, told Goodwin. He said he disagreed with the "mean girl petulant frat boy" attitude of his peer who made the comment.

Opponents, meanwhile, said the measure was intrusive and came from a false assumption that lawmakers used drugs.

"I think it’s highly offensive that it’s the assumption that there’s a problem when I truly believe there is not," said Sen. Kris Langer, R-Dell Rapids. "I feel like this is a solution looking for a problem."

Under the bill, those who refused to take the test and those who are found to have used illegal substances without a physician's approval would be reported to legislative leaders for disciplinary action.